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The Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton T.D. today launched a new internet safety resource for teenagers to mark Safer Internet Day 2018.

The new ‘Be in Ctrl’ resource has been developed in partnership with An Garda Síochana to support teachers to address the topic of online sexual coercion and extortion - often referred to as ‘webcam blackmail’.

‘Be in Ctrl’ contains three lesson plans, an information pack for school leaders, and will be supported by a Garda Schools’ Talk. The resource will be available for all schools to order, or access online, for free from Today, the 6th February, Safer Internet Day 2018.

The resources are intended for use as part of the Junior Cycle SPHE curriculum and will help students understand that online sexual coercion and extortion of children is a crime; raise awareness of safe online communication; and know when to seek help and report incidents.

“We want to ensure our children are kept safe online. Today’s announcement is part of a suite of supports we offer schools in playing their part to ensure that our children are protected online. I’m delighted to launch this resource, which was developed in partnership with An Garda Síochana and I encourage all schools to engage in this very important area.”

Ciara O’Donnell, National Director, PDST, explains,

“National and international research has consistently shown that the qualified classroom teacher has the capacity to positively impact students’ attitudes, values and behaviors. They are therefore well placed to work sensitively and consistently with students. This resource should greatly assist teachers in their engagement with students on issues associated with online sexual coercion and extortion.”

Safer Internet Day is fast becoming a permanent annual feature in the school calendar. Over 70,000 students took part last year and Minister Bruton is calling on all schools to get involved in Safer Internet Day on the 6th of February, 2018.

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